NYCLU Statement on Passage of Bail Rollbacks

NEW YORK – Early this morning, after months of fierce debate, the New York legislature voted to approve changes to the state’s recently passed bail reform law. The new measures increase the scope of charges that allow someone to be jailed before trial.

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Executive Director, Donna Lieberman:

“For months, New York law enforcement officials have tried to undermine the important reforms legislators put in place last session, manufacturing fear and sabotaging its success before the new bail law even went into effect. Now, at a time when we should be prioritizing everyone’s health and safety, this legislation rolls back progress and puts more people in danger through a rushed and opaque process. By expanding the list of charges that allow a person to be incarcerated before their trial, this legislation will increase jail populations. New York has acknowledged that we can safely release incarcerated people to protect their well-being from the coronavirus, yet at the same time, this legislation will put thousands more people behind bars in the middle of a global health crisis. This deepens racial inequity, furthers injustice, and makes us all less safe.

“While countless Assembly Members, and a handful of Senators fought a tireless fight to remain committed to the gains we made last year, this final bail legislation sets our state back. We will continue to fight to bring justice to the lives of all New Yorkers.”